the great war and garden villas - a historic neighborhood ...€¦ · however, ellington field was...
TRANSCRIPT
Garden Villas Community Association, Inc.
A Deed-Restricted Community
P. O. Box 266282, Houston, Texas 77207-6282
www.gardenvillas.org 832-268-4822
Mission: To organize our
residents for the purpose
of preserving the
standards of our single-
family community and
promoting the civic and
social wellbeing of the
residents.
NOVEMBER
2018
NEWS Volume 91, Issue 8
In August 1914, Europe erupted into a war that soon
engulfed the entire continent. By the next year a vast system
of trenches stretched across France. Though trench warfare
was characterized by a static defensive struggle, the airplane
was used during the conflict as an offensive weapon. In 1917,
the United States entered the war. The United States needed
hundreds of pilots to fulfill its commitment to the Allies. To
meet this demand for pilots, the War Department built numer-
ous pilot training bases throughout the nation.
In 1917, the U.S. government purchased 1,280 acres
of land from the Wright Land Company 25 miles south of
Houston near Genoa, Texas. War Department officials select-
ed the Houston area because of the weather conditions neces-
sary for flight training. Soon after construction began, the
Secretary of War announced that the new base would be
named after Lt. Eric Lamar Ellington, an army aviator who
was killed four years earlier at North Island Army Aviation
School in California.
The American Con-
struction Company, awarded
a contract to build the air-
field, began construction in
September 1917. At one
point during construction of
the airfield, civilian workers
went on strike. To avoid
delays caused by labor prob-
lems, U.S. soldiers from
nearby Camp Logan were
brought in to continue work
on the airfield. The labor
disputes were settled and the
striking workers returned to work. Draft mules were used to
pull equipment to clear and smooth the earth to lay concrete
foundations. Within two months, most of the buildings on the
base were completed. Dozens of wooden buildings served as
headquarters, maintenance, and officers’ quarters. Enlisted
men had to bivouac in tents. Finally, tall prairie grass near the
hangers was cleared of obstacles and mowed short for run-
ways.
In November, the 120th Aero Squadron was trans-
ferred from Kelly Field to Houston. Only a few U.S. Army
Air Service aircraft arrived with the squadron. Most of the
Curtiss JN-4 Jennys were shipped in wooden crates by railcar.
In December, the first planes from Ellington Field flew over
Houston for a benefit for the American Red Cross. A flight of
ten JN-4s took off from grass runways and followed the inter-
urban tracks stretching north from Genoa to Houston. Throngs
of men, women, and children watched in amazement as the
(Continued on page 4)
The Great War and Garden Villas
Picture: Ellington Field
1917 JN-4 Biplanes &
Pilots / Crews marching
to mess.
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 2
Garden Villas News November 2018
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 3
Garden Villas News November 2018
A Garden Villas Resident
Since 1967
A Realtor Since 1970
FREE Notary
Service for GV
Residents
Free Market
Analysis
Helen Guillory
Real Estate 713-643-4611
The Midterm Elections are fast approaching! You can
view or print your ballot by going to Harrisvotes.org. It
also lists election site locations and hours of opera-
tion. Have any questions about voting? This excellent
website has a wealth of excellent information, accessible
24/7.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, from 7:00 a.m.
to 7:00 p.m. You can vote only at your own precinct on
that day. You can find your precinct location at Harris-
votes.org
Early voting is from October 22 to November 2. During
early voting, you can vote at any voter election site in Har-
ris County..
MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Tuesday, November 6th
Spotcrime.com and the Nextdoor Garden Villas website reported four crimes in October in Garden Villas: 10/5, burglary, 7200 block of Dillon; 10/11, theft, 7300 block of Brace; 10/15, burglary, 7100 block of Fauna; and 10/17, theft, 7000 block of Dillon.
If you are a victim of a crime, always report it to the authorities. If you have crime information concerning Garden Villas, please contact [email protected] to have it included in our crime report.
Peggy Taylor
Crime Report
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 4
Garden Villas News November 2018
JN-4s flew overhead. The roar of the aircraft was almost
drowned out by the wail of sirens and factory whistles as
the planes passed over. As the planes circled the city, they
dropped paper flyers for the American Red Cross. Next,
the formation flew to Camp Logan and then turned south
toward Galveston Island. The entire flight took about an
hour.
For the first months of operation, Ellington Field
had no pilot fatalities. Within the year, however, this rec-
ord changed for the worse. By August 1918, Ellington
Field recorded the most pilot fatalities of the 18 U.S. Army
Air Service training bases in the United States. By 1918,
however, Ellington Field was also known throughout the
nation as an airfield of "firsts." Ellington had the first
camp newspaper, the first gunnery and bombing ranges, the
first "canteen girls," and the first aerial ambulance in
American military history.
With the end of World War I, the future operation-
al status of Ellington Field was unknown. Many local offi-
cials speculated that the U.S. government would keep El-
lington Field open because of the outstanding combat rec-
ord established by Ellington-trained pilots in Europe. Lo-
cals also pointed to the optimal weather conditions in the
south Texas area for flight training. However, it was too
remote and very difficult to get the civilian work force to
work there.
In 1926, Houston was in the process of planning
a “modern” airfield so that Houston would remain an avia-
tion leader, center of commerce and trade in south Texas.
Rival cities San Antonio and Dallas had already construct-
ed new airfields. About this time, W. T. Carter was buying
up 600 acres of land south of Houston for new residential
development and looking for a new commerce hub for his
community. By 1927, an airport named W. T. Carter Field
was completed near the Garden Villas area on Houston’s
Telephone Road. Once fully completed, the facility was
then purchased by the City of Houston and renamed the
Houston Municipal Airport. Today it’s now known as
Hobby International Airport.
The enticement of new aviation facilities was too
much for the Texas National Guard in 1928. By then, the
facilities at Ellington Field were obsolete. Neither the Tex-
as National Guard nor the War Department had the funds
to renovate Ellington Field, so the 111th Observation
Squadron signed a long-term lease with the Houston Mu-
nicipal Airport and moved into new facilities in the south-
western corner of the airfield. Many of these aviation
veterans of World War I settled in Garden Villas, to
raise families, and grow the community around this
new airport. This November 11th will mark the
100th anniversary of the end of World War I. We salute
our first residents of Garden Villas, the aviation veter-
ans of World War I. Tom Brents
GVCA President
The Great War and Garden Villas (Continued from page 1)
Attention Everyone
Do you like to play chess?
Have you every wanted to learn how?
Well, we have good news for you.
Every Wednesday night you can join us at Garden Villas Baptist Church at 7:00 p.m. to either
test your chess abilities or learn some skills to help you improve your game. And if you are a beginner you will
be able to learn styles of play that will allow you to be confident no matter whom you compete against.
So we hope to see you soon.
Garden Villas Baptist Church
7403 Fauna St.
Houston, TX 77061
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 5
Garden Villas News November 2018
PROUD ASTROS DAY AT MOUNT CARMEL ACADEMY
A large group of students at Mount Carmel Academy wore their Houston Astros shirts to support the Astros in the playoffs.
NEW BOARD MEMBER
FOR GVCA
We welcome our newest member to the GVCA,
Inc., board of directors, Oscar Alvarado. At the last
general meeting of GVCA, Oscar was nominated to be
the board member to replace Joe Virant and Tom Brents
and Sonia Perez agreed to continue for another term. A
motion was made and the vote was unanimous.
Thank you to all the board members for giving
their time for the betterment of Garden Villas!
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 6
Garden Villas News November 2018
Scout Troop 16 meets each Monday at 7:30 p.m. Contact Mark Pacheco at 713-206-4715
email: [email protected]
What’s Happening At
Garden Villas Baptist Church
As Pastor of Garden Villas Baptist Church, I would like to inform you of the activities we offer on a regular basis. We
have a lot to offer and hope that there is something that you would like to be a part of. If there is some way we can serve
you or pray for a need you may have, please let us know.
Month of November
Sunday Morning – Sunday School 9:45—10:45 am
Morning Worship 11:00—12:00 noon
Sunday Evening – Bible Study 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday Nights – Chess Club 7:00 - 8:30 pm except November 21st (day before Thanksgiving)
Bible Study 7:00 - 8:00 pm except November 21st (day before Thanksgiving)
The First and Third Thursday – Community Prayer 7:00 - 8:00 pm
November 16th – Community Family Game Night 7:00 -10:00 pm
November 18th Pot Luck Lunch (Thanksgiving Dinner) after the morning worship service
Month of December
Sunday Morning – Sunday School 9:45 am to 10:45 am
Morning Worship 11:00 am to 12:00 noon
Sunday Evening – Bible Study 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Wednesday Nights – Chess Club 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm except December 26th
Bible Study 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm except December 26th
First Thursday, December 6th – Community Prayer 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Third Thursday, December 20th – No Community Prayer
December 16th – Pot Luck Lunch after the morning worship service
December 21st – Family Game Night ,7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Remember, God Created You,
Jesus Saves You,
The Holy Spirit Guides You,
And, We All Love You
Pastor Ricky Moore
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 7
Garden Villas News November 2018
Programming Schedule:
Weekdays: 12am-12pm - Fun Oldies 24/7 6pm-9pm - Greatest Hits USA hosted by Chuck Taylor (Friday Evenings only) Mt. Carmel Sports Games (as announced) Weekends: Saturday 12am-6am - Fun Oldies 6am-10am- That Thing Radio Show with Rich Appel (oldies) 10am-7pm- Fun Oldies 7pm-12mn - Saturday Night Party-time - Guest Djs (requests from 7-9pm) Sunday 12am-7am - Fun Oldies 7am-8am - Garden Villas Civic Association Meetings (as announced) 7am-8am - Fun Oldies (If no GVCA meeting) 8am-8:30am - Inspirational Music 8:30am-9am - License To Parent 9am-9:30am - Garden Villas Baptist Church 9:30am-10am -Fun Oldies (time also reserved for special programs of community interest) 10am-1pm - That Thing Radio Show with Rich Appel (oldies) 1pm-6pm - Fun Oldies 6pm-12mn - Classic Country Show
[[Garden Villas Radio Programming Schedule
Request Line - 713-641-4022
December 2018
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Friday, November 16th, 2018
The December newsletter will be mailed and also available on-
line at Garden Villas’ website, along with printed copies at
Gateway Hardware Store. The next newsletter is Feb. 2019.
Send newsletter articles to [email protected]. Send
pictures as an attachment with the emailed article.
If you would like to be added to the newsletter deadline re-
minder email, please email Peggy Taylor.
If you witness the removal or trimming
of trees from street easements, please
call 832-395-7100 immediately
so a check for permits
can be made and avoid unnecessary
street tree loss.
This phone line is answered
24 hours a day.
PROTECTING OUR TREE -LINED
STREETS
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 8
Garden Villas News November 2018
Garden Villas
Baptist Church 7403 Fauna St
713-643-5554 Pastor: Rev. Ricky Moore
Cell: 713-503-4690
Services Spoken in English and Spanish
Sunday Morning
Sunday School: 9:45 am
Morning Worship: 11:00 am
Sunday Evening
Adult and Youth Bible Study: 6:00 pm
Wednesday Evening
Adult Bible Study & Prayer: 7:00pm
Visit our web site or contact us by e-mail.
www.gvbchurch.org email [email protected]
Garden Villas Community Center Activities
• Morning Fitness Classes: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 to 10:00 am. • Evening Fitness Classes: Monday and Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:00 pm and Friday, 6:00 to 7:00 pm • After School Enrichment Program: Monday through Friday, 3:00 to 6:00 pm • Tae Kwon Do Classes: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm • Meal program for youth 18 years old and under: Monday through Friday (18 and under) • Adult Soccer Fitness: Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:00 pm • Adult Softball: Thursday, 6:30 to 8:00 pm • Family Fun Day, Nov. 17th, 10:00 to 2:00 • Family Fun Day, Dec. 15th, 10:00 to 2:00 For more information, call: Garden Villas Community Center 713-847-5168 6720 S. Haywood Houston, TX 77061
Volume 91, Issue 8 — Page 9
Garden Villas News November 2018
POST OFFICE
LOCATION
CLOSED
Contact Numbers
GVCA voicemail…………………………..832-268-4822
BOARD MEMBERS:
TTom Brents, President…………….……….713-645-2702
Bob Parker, Vice President……….………713-643-3023
Peggy Taylor, Secretary………………….713-454-1863
Stacey Merritt, Treasurer…………………713-376-5677
Cathy Rascoe……….………………...…..
Sonia Pérez, Social Secretary……….……713-641-3127
Oscar Alvarado, At Large Member.………832.607.6409
_____ __ _________
[email protected]…………...713-539-4170 Newsletter Editor, Peggy Taylor………….713-454-1863 Garden Club, Beverly Burns………………. Garden Villas Park, 6720 S. Haywood…..713-847-5168 Council Member Robert Gallegos, Dist. I…832-393-3011 3-1-1 Helpline (dial 3-1-1) or……………713-837-0311 SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program)...713-522-2337 Call 3-1-1 if you have a problem with stray or loose dogs Parking enforcement (City of Houston)……713-837-0311 Mount Carmel Academy…………………..713-643-2008 HISD Charter Schools Office……………...713-807-5181 Mayor Citizens’ Assistance Office………...713-928-9585 Airport Noise Compliance Hotline………...281-233-3900 Garden Villas Elementary School…...…….713-845-7484
Garden Villas Radio Request Line
713-641-4022
www.gardenvillas.org
1 Thu 10 am Garden Club meeting at Garden Villas park
5 Mon 7:30 pm Every Monday, Scout Troup 16 meeting (contact Mark Pacheco at 713-206-4715 email: [email protected]
8 Thu 7 pm PIP meeting, 8300 Mykawa police station (2nd Thursday each month)
9 Fri Recycling
16 Fri
Okay to put out heavy trash (tree waste only in odd-numbered months). Starting at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, you can put out heavy trash. There is a $200 per day fine from the City for each day heavy trash is placed out earlier.
17 Sat 10-2 Family Fun Day at GV park
19 Mon Heavy trash pickup (tree waste only in odd-numbered months)
23 Fri Recycling
Neighbors Helping Neighbors